What I Learned at Mid-Council Leadership Orientation
From Jeff Sims and Leigh Rachal, Co-General Presbyters
In September, we attended the PC(USA)’s Mid-Council Leadership Orientation, gathering with new presbytery and synod leaders from across the country to learn, share experiences, and explore what faithful leadership looks like in a changing church. We each came away with insights that will help shape our shared ministry in the Presbytery of South Louisiana.
Jeff’s Reflection: The Gift of Connection
In South Louisiana, we often feel alone, as if no one else has ever faced our particular issue or problem. MCLO reminded me, up close and in person, that ours is a connectional church. Mid-council leaders from across the country gathered with several stated clerks to explore the work of mid-councils. In class, over lunch, and during breaks, our conversations showed me what a gift that connection is to our shared work. Someone, somewhere, has already faced the same issue. I also learned about the Annotated Book of Order (link below). It traces our shared history and theology as the PC(USA) and helps explain how our polity and practice came to be.
Leigh’s Reflection: Learning to Ask Better Questions
One of my biggest takeaways from Mid-Council Leadership Orientation was that faithful leadership isn’t always about having the right answers. Sometimes it’s about learning to ask better questions.
We explored the difference between adaptive learning, which helps organizations survive, and generative learning, which expands our capacity to imagine and create something new. I was particularly struck by the invitation to approach our Presbyterian polity not simply as rules that limit us, but as a spacious framework grounded in our shared theological values.
As we navigate changing contexts, our calling is not simply to manage the church as it is, but to engage our energy, intelligence, imagination, and love in discerning what God is calling us to become. We are grateful for the connections and questions that will continue guiding us as we serve together.
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